The Barrie Colts have announced today that two of their forwards have been selected to represent Canada’s National Junior team at the IIHF World Junior Championship in Calgary and Edmonton, Alberta from December 26th to January 5th. 

Hockey Canada and the Canadian Hockey League announced on Wednesday the 23-man roster that will compete for gold at the 2012 World Juniors.  The roster consists of 13 forwards, including Barrie Colts Mark Scheifele and Tanner Pearson. 

Pearson, 19 years old, is one of two players on the roster that is un-drafted to the NHL.  The forward from Kitchener leads the Ontario Hockey League in scoring with 26 goals and 40 assists for 66 points in 30 games played. 

Scheifele, 18 years old, was drafted seventh overall at last year’s NHL Entry Draft by the Winnipeg Jets.  The Kitchener resident played in seven games for the Jets this season before returning to the Colts where he has put up 13 goals and 23 assists for 36 points in 19 games played.    

Pearson and Scheifele are two of ten players to represent the team from the OHL.  The Niagara IceDogs are represented with four players, including former Colts forward Ryan Strome. 

Goalie Mark Visentin joins forwards Brett Connolly, Quinton Howden and Jaden Schwartz as the only returning players from last year’s squad. 

Team Canada begins play on Boxing Day against Team Finland.